College Application Essay Transfer Student

What have you DONE in a specific academic area to show your depth as a scholar?

I need to take painting lessons.” I tried to look as defeated as possible, hoping his heart would break just enough for him to agree.

It wasn’t that I got bored with what I was doing—I just couldn’t wait to try something new. In high school, I became involved in as many extracurricular activities as I could, getting elected to student council and playing varsity baseball, joining groups like the school improvement team, and yes, even the art club.

XYZ University’s physical therapy program will lead me to the necessary bachelor’s and doctoral degrees I need to succeed in a profession I know will leave me fulfilled—and hold my interest—throughout my professional life.

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After two years of studying, researching, and homework, I received an associate degree in pre-physical therapy, and I believe XYZ University is the next stop on my journey to achieve my dream.

It may have taken me longer to get here, and my path probably had a few more twists and turns in it than most, but every activity I begged my dad to let me do and every extracurricular club I joined complemented my course work and shaped who I am.

A clear, concrete answer to this question should be a large part of a transfer student’s application essay. That’s the primary thing transfer admissions officers want to know,” says Cara Jordan, Director of Transfer Admissions at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut.

The application essay also provides transfer students with the opportunity to take responsibility for less-than-perfect grades, recognize academic challenges, and explain the steps they have taken to conquer them.

“Certainly, you don’t want to use your essay to spotlight weaknesses, criticize another school, or in any way be defensive or negative,” Jordan says.

“But when appropriate, the essay can be an effective way to show your character, your ability to take ownership of your actions, and your determination to succeed.